Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.Image: keystone
April 12, 2026, 4:42 p.mApril 12, 2026, 4:42 p.m
According to media reports, at least 30 people were killed in a mass panic at a tourist destination in Haiti. The Haitian newspaper “Le Nouvelliste” reported that an exceptionally large number of visitors gathered on Saturday at the Laferrière citadel in the municipality of Milot in the north of the country.
“The majority of them died from suffocation,” said Milot Mayor Wesner Joseph, according to the Miami Herald newspaper. The newspaper reported that many of the victims were teenagers and children aged around twelve and over. Panic broke out when heavy rain began and the densely packed crowd began to move. Numerous people were trampled, especially at the narrow entrances to the historic complex.
Unauthorized meeting as a trigger
The rush was triggered by a meeting of young people at the fortress, which was advertised on social media. “An activity not approved by the municipality of Milot ended in tragedy this Saturday,” reported the AyiboPost portal.
Accordingly, the meeting was spread via the Tiktok platform by an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers who announced transport, drinks and an entertainment program. Many participants flocked to the citadel from the early hours of the morning, even before it officially opened.
The influencer himself denied responsibility for the accident. “I have nothing to do with what happened,” AyiboPost quoted him as saying. He was already on his way back when he found out about the events.
According to “AyiboPost”, the situation worsened because at times people were rushing in and out of the facility at the same time. Only one access gate was open, which led to heavy crowding. Shortly afterwards there were scuffles and mass panic.
Videos circulating on social media are said to show people crowded together in the narrow, tunnel-like corridors of the fortress. You can see numerous young visitors who can only move forward slowly.
Government calls for calm
The government of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was deeply shocked to learn of the “tragic incident,” it said in a statement. All relevant authorities have been mobilized and are on high alert to immediately provide those affected and their relatives with the necessary help and support. The government called on the public to remain calm while investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The Laferrière Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress, built in the early 19th century by former slaves, is considered a symbol of the fight for freedom against French colonial rule and traditionally attracts many visitors, especially during Easter. (sda/dpa)